Breaking: Microsoft swallows up Danger, Inc

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According to a recent Microsoft press release, “Microsoft Corp. today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Danger Inc., the company responsible for the software and services powering many popular consumer handsets.”

I like the Sidekick software interface. I’m not crazy about the Windows Mobile interface. I’m hoping this means that the Danger interface will smarten up Windows Mobile and not that Windows Mobile will dumb down the Danger interface.

Gotta be honest — didn’t see this one coming.

Here’s more from the press release.

“Microsoft is a global leader with our Windows Mobile software and expanding mobile services,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The addition of Danger serves as a perfect complement to our existing software and services, and also strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences centered around individuals and what they like.”

“Danger continues to provide an effortless and fun mobile experience for consumers,” said Henry R. Nothhaft, chairman and CEO of Danger Inc. “Now by combining our uncompromised application software and powerful back-end service with Microsoft, we can expand our innovative service offerings even further and take mobility to a new level.”

We can look at this as an attempt by Microsoft to connect with a younger audience. Let’s face it, there aren’t too many youngsters out there popping and locking to the thought of Windows Mobile. In other news, I’m old. I bet kids don’t pop and/or lock anymore but whatever they do, it probably doesn’t involve Windows Mobile.

Danger has connected with a customer base that is young and enthusiastic, Internet-savvy and socially inclined. The Danger team has a deep understanding of consumers and a hold on what people want from mobility, making it an ideal group to work with in delivering connected experiences. Adding Danger to the Entertainment and Devices Division will provide Microsoft with additional assets and resources that will accelerate the company’s entry into the consumer space and complement the company’s focus on delivering innovative technologies and services that connect people’s entertainment and information.

Old though I may be, I’d be delighted at the thought of updating Windows Mobile 5 on my also-old Motorola Q to whatever new interface Microsoft and Danger might push out. I’d guess, though, that it’d more likely be new software as opposed to a software update for older phones. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.